Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 15 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION›Chapter 15.40 — SIGN REGULATIONS
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Art. VI Exceptions to Sign Standards
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · San Luis Obispo
Cite as: San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Article VI · Text as of 2026-10-05
15.40.600 Requests for exceptions.¶
Unusual site conditions or other design factors may warrant signs not otherwise permitted by these regulations. A sign permit application which includes a request for exceptions to standards established by these regulations is subject to approval by the community development director review consistent with Section 15.40.480 and may be subject to review by the ARC as determined by the director. Exceptions require a separate application and fees for ARC or community development director review, which must be approved before a sign permit will be issued. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)
15.40.610 Findings for approval of an exception.¶
Exceptions to the sign regulations must meet all of the following findings:
A. There are unusual circumstances applying to the property which make strict adherence to the regulations impractical or infeasible, such as building configuration, historic architectural features, architectural style, site layout, intervening obstructions, or other unusual circumstances. Exceptions shall not allow for additional signage in number or size beyond what is necessary to compensate for the unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances may also include sign designs which are not expressly provided for or exempted in this chapter, but which represent superior or innovative design appropriate for the building and location.
B. The exception is consistent with the intent and purpose of the sign regulations (see Section 15.40.110) and the exception is not being granted in cases where alternative options of allowed signage in this chapter could provide an adequate alternative for sufficient visibility to the public with equal or superior design.
C. The sign exception is for superior design and complies with design principles of this chapter, and will not result in: visual clutter; excessively sized signage in comparison to the building or surroundings; signage that is inconsistent with the character of the surroundings; or approval of signs that are prohibited in this chapter. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A), 2019)
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